Summer Days!

It is hard to believe how fast the days are going by this summer. Before too long, Labor Day will be here. I,  for one, wish to savor the sweetness of summer just a little bit longer and enjoy the early dewy mornings and long summer nights that make this season so special.

  

There is nothing I look forward to more this time of year than hosting a weekend getaway for family and friends. I love to entertain, and having guests at my home affords me an opportunity to pamper loved ones with delicious food, a relaxing environment, and luxurious surprises. The time we spend together always passes by too quickly, and the treasured memories of good times and laughter linger in the days and weeks that follow.

Amaretto Peach Parfaits

4 1/2 cups fresh peaches, sliced

1 1/2 cups fresh cherries, pitted

6 tablespoons amaretto

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar, divided

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 cups amaretto cookies, crumbled

Garnish: fresh mint

 In a large bowl, combine peaches, cherries, amaretto, and 1/2 cup brown sugar; toss to coat, and set aside.
 In a separate large bowl, and using a mixer on high speed, beat cream and remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar until soft peaks form.  To assemble, layer peach mixture, cream, and amaretto cookies. Repeat layers. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired. Serve immediately.

Estelle's Peach Melba Daiquiri

1 (20-ounce) bag frozen sliced peaches

1 cup frozen raspberries

1 (11.3-ounce) can peach nectar

1 1/4 cups light rum

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup peach schnapps

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Garnish: peach slices, raspberries

 In the container of a blender, combine peaches, raspberries, peach nectar, rum, sugar, peach schnapps, and lemon juice, process until blended. Serve immediately. Garnish with peach slices and raspberries, if desired.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer, and be sure to make time to savor the

simple pleasures of summer’s sweet luxuries.